China has a regulated system of scientific degrees, which include: Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees. In order to successfully obtain them, a scholar must fulfil a number of requirements set out in the PRC legislation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key aspects that need to be considered in the process of obtaining academic degrees.
Academic degrees in China: what do scientist needs to know?
The system of awarding academic degrees in China is regulated by the Regulations on Scientific Degrees of the People's Republic of China. The document is designed to promote the training of highly qualified personnel, raise the academic level of various branches of knowledge and develop education and science.
There are three types of scientific degrees in China: Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Science. Below we will look at the basic requirements for each of them.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees are awarded to university graduates who have demonstrated good academic performance. Candidates are required to have:
- sufficient knowledge of key theories, as well as professional skills and specialised knowledge in their chosen field;
- basic ability to conduct research or carry out specialised technical work.
Master's Degree
Master's degrees can be obtained by postgraduate students of universities, research institutes or individuals with suitable qualifications who have successfully passed examinations and defended a thesis. The requirements for future Master's degrees are partly similar to those for Bachelor's degrees. Applicants for a research degree should:
- have a clear understanding of the main theories and specialised knowledge;
- be able to conduct scientific research or do technical work independently.
Doctoral Degree
As for the Doctor of Science, this degree is the highest level of the academic hierarchy. It is awarded to individuals who have completed a postgraduate programme or qualifications, passed examinations and successfully defended a thesis. The requirements for the applicant include:
- a sound and comprehensive understanding of the theories and a thorough and systematic knowledge of the discipline;
- the ability for independent scientific research;
- demonstration of achievement in science or technology.
As can be seen, the level of rigour of the requirements for applicants increases depending on the scientific degree.
The role of publications in the academic degree obtaining process in China
Publications play a key role in the academic degree awarding process in China, especially for master's and doctoral programmes, demonstrating students' research competence.
For undergraduate degrees, publications are usually not required, but graduate students are often required to publish articles in academic journals indexed in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database.
For doctoral degrees, leading universities often require at least one publication in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science (e.g. SCI or SSCI) to emphasise the international impact of the research.
As the number of publication requirements may differ from one university to another, students should check with their institution's management or check the information on their official websites.
Degree obtaining
- Postgraduate students from institutions not authorised to award degrees can apply to authorised institutions, where their applications are reviewed and degrees are awarded after successful defence of the thesis.
- Foreign students and scholars who study or work in China may apply for degrees, subject to academic standards.
- Eminent scholars and public figures, both Chinese and foreign, may be awarded honorary doctorates with the approval of the Degrees Committee.
- Persons with outstanding scientific or technical achievements may be exempted from examinations and allowed to defend a doctoral thesis.
The degree system in China has a clear structure and a number of requirements for applicants. In order to successfully defend your dissertation, and need to follow all the above rules, as well as prepare the necessary publications.
If you need help with publishing in Scopus or Web of Science journals, contact "Scientific Publications". Our specialists will audit the article, as well as select a suitable journal and provide support at all stages of work. Would you like to receive a free consultation? Then leave your contacts in the form below and our manager will contact you as soon as possible. Together to new scientific achievements!
